Beef Noodle Casserole

This beef noodle casserole is one of those comforting, go-to dinners that always hits the spot!

There’s something magical about how the tender noodles, savory beef, and gooey cheese come together in this dish. It’s like a warm hug for your tastebuds!

The best part is how simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like a home-cooked meal that’s been simmering for hours. 

It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights or when I need to feed a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Noodle Casserole

Comfort Food Classic: It’s the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights at home.

Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a great dish for gatherings or family dinners. It can easily feed a large group and is loved by both kids and adults alike.

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry staples like ground beef, egg noodles, and tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare without a special trip to the grocery store.

Rich and Cheesy Taste: The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory taste.

Ingredients

• Wide Egg Noodles: The perfect foundation for this hearty casserole.
  
• Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show, browned to perfection. Choose 90% lean for a healthier dish.
  
• Onion and Garlic: The dynamic duo adds depth and flavor to the beef mixture.
  
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: The classic seasonings bring out the best in every ingredient. Adjust to your taste.
  
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little heat. A small amount goes a long way.
  
• Tomato Sauce: The rich, velvety base ties everything together. Use a high-quality brand for the best results.
  
• Petite Diced Tomatoes: They add a fresh, chunky texture to the casserole. Drain well to avoid excess liquid.
  
• Cheddar Cheese: It brings a gooey, cheesy goodness to every bite. Shred from a block for the best melty texture.
  
• Fresh Parsley: The final touch adds a pop of color and freshness. 

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

This casserole is so quick and easy to make!

1. Prep the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles 1-2 minutes less than the package directions, until almost al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.

4. Add the seasonings. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the beef. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the ingredients. Add the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly combined.

6. Assemble the casserole. Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

7. Bake the dish. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Casserole

Follow these simple tips for a truly delectable casserole. 

• Go lean and mean. Using lean ground beef (90% lean) is crucial to avoid a greasy casserole. Drain any excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish light and flavorful.
  
• Aim for al dente. Undercooking the egg noodles slightly ensures they don’t become mushy when baked. This helps maintain a good texture in the finished casserole.
  
• Spice it up. Adding red pepper flakes can give your casserole a nice kick of heat. However, feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dish.
  
• Put in some elbow grease. Shredding cheddar cheese from a block provides the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it may contain additives that can affect the melting quality.
  
• Keep things even. To ensure the cheese melts evenly and the casserole bakes uniformly, spread the beef and noodle mixture and the top layer of cheese evenly in the baking dish.
  
• Vary it up. Add other ingredients to create variations of the casserole. Some options include diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or spices to give the dish a unique twist.
  
• Get ahead of the game. While the casserole is best served hot, you can prepare the beef and noodle mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Then, assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and keep them fresh.

To Store: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Beef Noodle Casserole

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

434

kcal

This savory beef noodle casserole is a guaranteed winner! With lean ground beef, egg noodles, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese, it’s too good to miss.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• salt and pepper to taste

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles 1-2 minutes less than the package directions, until almost al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
• Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the beef. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly combined.
• Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole. Drain any excess fat after browning.
• Undercook the egg noodles slightly so they don’t get mushy when baked.
• Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat, or leave them out if you prefer a milder dish.
• Shred the cheddar cheese from a block for the best flavor and texture.

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